The National Transport Corporation (NTC) unveiled a fleet of 20 new buses, today, at its headquarters in Vacoas. Alongside this launch, the Passenger Information System Mobile application, ‘MOBIS,’ was also introduced. The event was attended by personalities including the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Mr Alan Ganoo; Members of Parliament; the General Manager of the NTC, Mr Rao Ramah; the Chairperson of the NTC Board of Directors, Mr Amarnath Jagannath; and other distinguished guests.
In his keynote address, the Minister emphasised the vital role of the NTC in Mauritius’ transport system, recalling that it is the largest bus company with around 500 buses, 100 routes, and 2,300 employees. He also praised the NTC’s efforts to modernise the transport sector and enhance passenger services, commending the dedication and commitment of its staff in delivering efficient transport services.
In addition, he highlighted the NTC’s crucial role in enhancing island-wide mobility through profitable and social routes, benefiting students, the elderly, and the public by ensuring easy access to work, school, shopping, and out-of-town destinations.
The Minister announced that the acquisition of 200 new electric buses has been negotiated between the Governments of Mauritius and India, with 100 buses provided as a grant and 100 through a line of credit, with the aim to reduce pollution and fossil fuel dependence and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. He thus urged private bus operators to update their fleets to support this environmental commitment and contribute to the national goal of reducing gas emissions.
Mr Ganoo, moreover, acknowledged that despite the Metro Express serving around 45,000 regular commuters, bus operators and the bus transport system will always remain crucial to the country’s transport infrastructure to cater to the daily 470,000 commuters.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted Government’s support for bus operators through measures provided by the Industrial Finance Corporation Ltd, urging operators to use these resources to modernise their systems. Mr Ganoo listed improvements in public transport services, including enhanced mechanisms for recording passenger complaints and the fleet management system.
He also acknowledged the NTC’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic and dwelt on Government investments, such as the Wage Assistance Scheme and the Self-employed Assistance Scheme, which have helped sectors recover with the collaboration of Government, private partners, and the public.
Mr Ganoo asserted that ensuring the comfort of both passengers and bus transport workers is crucial for an efficient service. He also warned against poor service practices, such as leaving commuters stranded at bus terminals or failing to arrive on time.
For his part, Mr Ramah observed that the arrival of these 20 buses forms part of a strategic plan necessitated by the need to address several issues, such as the aging fleet of buses. He indicated that nearly 200 buses were over 10 years old, and close to 300 were approaching 20 years old, adding that operating with such old buses is costly and compromises public service delivery.
He thus claimed that a key pillar of the strategic plan was the renewal of the fleet, identifying 360 buses to be replaced within four years from 2020 to 2024. To this end, the General Manager recalled that in February 2022, the first electric bus was launched, now operational for two years, and an additional 200 buses have been negotiated with the Government of the Republic of India, to be delivered within the next 12 months.
Mr Ramah also elaborated on operational costs which have risen due to maintaining an aging fleet, diverting excess funds to repairs, adding that the introduction of the 200 new buses into the fleet will enable these funds to remain within NTC, facilitating new developments such as constructing new depots and acquiring additional buses. These 200 buses will generate sufficient savings to fund these developments effectively, he pointed out.
